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Talent to Watch Program

Summary

Project type
Feature-length film
Project stage
Production
Applicants
Emerging talent, Canadian film production companies 
Submission
Dialogue



Program overview

The Talent to Watch Program supports emerging filmmakers looking to finance the production stage of their first feature film project(s). 

The Talent to Watch Program has three streams: 

  • Industry Partner Stream: For projects that are recommended by a Designated Industry Partner. 
  • Festival Selection Stream: For emerging filmmakers who have directed a short film that was selected at a recognized film festival. 
  • Filmmaker Apply-Direct Stream: All Key Members of the Creative Team must be:
    • Indigenous; 
    • Black; 
    • People of Colour; 
    • Women; 
    • Gender-diverse individuals; 
    • 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals; 
    • Persons with disabilities; and/or 
    • Members of an Official Language Minority Community

Who can apply

Applications may be submitted by companies or individuals who meet the eligibility criteria indicated in the Program guidelines.

Key members of the creative teams of all submitted projects must be emerging talent.

Information about the program

Guidelines and Important Documents

Please review the documents for full program details and eligibility criteria.

Key Dates

IT support is only available on business days until 5:00 pm EST.

Projects may be submitted only once per fiscal year.

All projects.
Opening
April 16, 2025
8:00 AM EDT
Closing
April 30, 2025
11:59 PM EDT

Latest updates

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates.

March 20, 2025

The following document has been updated:
  • List of Designated Partners

March 17, 2025

The following document has been updated:
  • Guidelines

March 6, 2025

The following document has been added or updated:
  • List of Required Documents
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Audience Engagement and Discoverability Plan
  • Financing Plan Template
  • Designation of Main Applicant and Sharing of Project Performance Ratio

Apply for funding

Please read our How to apply page for more information on the application process.

Provided that the applications submitted are complete, we will aim to make funding decisions on production financing requests within 80 business days of the closing date to apply to the program. Please read our Service Charter for more information on our commitment to service.

Applications must be submitted through Dialogue.


Application documents

At Application and Contracting

Resources

Templates and Declarations

At Final Reporting

Business policies

Past guidelines


Contact

Phone: 438-806-4865
Toll free: 1-800-567-0890
Emailcoordination@telefilm.ca

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